Are the trait values for action cards used in any way to limit their access? I've read that the rules say a trait "does not perform a function", so obviously the answer to my question is "no". But then there are cards which seem designed for elves (eg. Flight of the Phoenix) or for dwarves (eg. Wrath of Morgrim)...does anyone house rule limiting the access to these sorts of cards? Thanks.

yep, a lot of us do limit access with Traits (even if not per RAW), without forbidding it completly. You need some story driven "justification" as to why your human character as access to Ancestor action (or Way of the Sword elf ones), etc.

Technically Traits are not Requirements, and so do not prevent the acquisition of the action card. Traits are designed to interact with other cards instead. That being said, as Cwell said, many GMs house rule that certain traits require a plot/RP reason for their acquisition instead, as they tend to be a less common sort of action.

Thanks for the common sense suggestions

And of course I wrote this post before my player's guide turned up – in it there is a nice little explanation of using traits for restricting access to actions

Sirrah, would you be so kind as to quote the page number for my records (and answering of silly players)?